Side Effects of Enoxaparin

Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin but is more popularly known as a blood thinner which prevents and treats blood clots. Enoxaparin is usually given to post-surgical patients of hip replacement surgeries and other similar surgeries, who due to their immobility may experience major blood clots that if not corrected, may lead to sudden death; such as blood clots traveling to the lung causing complications with breathing as more than major artery may be blocked. Additionally, Enoxaparin is also give to pregnant women who also experience blood clot that experience in the last stages of their pregnancy.

As with all drugs, there are known side effects. If you are the type to not take something until you are aware of all the known side effects, then we’ll get into that. Enoxaparin side effects range from common to serious and in addition to that, there can be other side effects that can occur when other drugs are taken with Enoxaparin. This is known as drug interaction side effects.

Enoxaparin side effects that are common include irritation of the injection area on the skin. Due to the fact that this injection is done once to twice daily, the skin can become easily irritated causing pain such as a burning sensation as well as redness and swelling. That is why patients are told not to touch the area as it may make it worst. Other common side effects include diarrhea and nausea as well as erythema, ecchymosis and hematoma which occur at the site of the injection.

As the main purpose of Enoxaparin is to make the blood thinner, it may result in serious side effects including excessive bleeding or even hemorrhage. Some see this side effect as common due to the popularity of occurrence of bleeding, which may range from normal to excessive. Another Enoxaparin side effect that is serious but not common is mild damage to the liver which may be seen through an increase of liver tests in the blood as well as a decrease in blood platelets.

Enoxaparin: Skin Disorders

There might also be severe skin disorders caused by Enoxaparin as well as paralysis, anemia or congestive heart failure. These are serious occurrences and as such, one should consult a doctor before taking Enoxaparin to ensure that these occurrences will not occur due to its intake.

Now let’s look at interactions with other drugs. Major bleeding can occur or further propelled if the patient takes (usually without a doctor’s consent), over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication including Motrin, Advil, Voltaren and Naprosyn as well as aspirins such as Plavix. These have dyer effects when coupled with the Enoxaparin and thus is the reason why it is advised to not use in unison!

Enoxaparin Side Effects: Weigh the Options

The best way is the safe way! Thus I reiterate, before you embark on taking Enoxaparin, be sure to consult your doctor to see if it suits you well; and if it does, be careful of the other drugs you may take to cause a dyer reaction!

What is Enoxaparin?

Enoxaparin is a medication given to patients to prevent the formation of blood clots. It does this by thinning the blood.  This is why it is usually referred to as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Enoxaparin is also seen as a low molecular weight heparin. Approved by the FDA in 1993, Enoxaparin has been on the market for almost twenty years. A prescription is needed to obtain this Enoxaparin where pre-filled syringes will be provided with the drug. If you seek to purchase enoxaparin products, be sure to store them at room temperature

In order for blood to clot in the human body; there needs to be the action of two of the 12 proteins in the blood; factors X and II. Hence, enoxaparin blocks the action of these two proteins which is in essence, “thinning” the blood, preventing the blood clot. As we stated earlier that this drug is used to prevent blood clots, it is also used to treat blood clots. Therefore, if you have problems with blood clots, ask your doctor about Enoxaparin and how it can be of benefit to you.

Enoxaprin: Who Uses It?

Enoxaparin is usually prescribed for patients with complicated DVT which may have even led to pulmonary embolism. DVT is often found in the legs where blood clots have formed in the veins deep within the muscles. Pulmonary embolism occurs where a piece of the blood clot travels to the lung, causing further complications. Complications occur because the clot in the lung blocks an artery which affects that part of the lung in carrying out its breathing duties.

More important to note, if this artery is a vital artery, the blockage can cause sudden death if not corrected immediately with Enoxaparin. Patients who have undergone surgery related to hip replacement and other such surgeries are subject to DVT and pulmonary embolism and as such, usually seek this drug Enoxaparin.

Enoxaparin Dosage

In terms of the dosage of Enoxaparin for patients, it is usually 40 mg once daily via under the skin injection or 30mg twice daily. This is for the prevention of the formation of blood clots. Dosage is different for those with existing blood clots and is usually prescribed in relation to the patient’s weight, among other factors.

If you have been prescribed Enoxaparin and have to administer it to yourself, you should do so lying down. It should be administered right and left front abdominal wall, towards the sides. Of course, this is via injection. To minimize injection bruising, do not rub the site of the injection after the syringe has been removed.

Finally, if you are pregnant and have been wondering if Enoxaparin is safe to use; then the answer is yes. There have been no signs of the drug crossing the placenta and affecting the unborn baby. This is great for expecting mothers who usually are plagued by blood clots in the later parts of their pregnancy where moving around becomes a challenge. Find out more today how Enoxaparin can work for you!

This site will be up and running soon with information on Enoxaparin including the side effects.